In control?

I've been going to a baby massage group which was suggested to me by my health visitor as I felt I was missing quality time with Livia. During the sessions there is time given to discuss how we are feeling and the problems we've been encountering with our babies.

A theme which seems to come up frequently is the feeling of failure which many mums feel when their babies don't do what they feel they should. So, for example, trying to get a baby into a routine and it failing, or baby crying all day and mum not being able to settle them.

I've felt this need to be 'in control' often as a mum. Even with Chloe, I sometimes find my mood and relationship with her can be affected by her behaviour. I know this is such a dangerous place to be in and I certainly never want either of girls to doubt my love for them!

However recently I've been finding things becoming easier. I don't feel like I am necessarily more 'in control' of things. Livia often cries all afternoon; Chloe will sometimes need to be put into time out because of bad behaviour at mums and toddlers. But I am accepting that is how life is with young children! This is the reality and I shouldn't allow perfectionism to creep in. 

Accepting and letting go makes life so much easier!'